The Ontario Court of Justice has handed down a $15,000 fine on a St. Catharines residential care facility for providing misleading information to fire officials.
The operators of Queenchester Terrace, located at 211 Queenston St., pleaded guilty last week to hindering, obstructing or interfering with an assistant to the Fire Marshal in the exercise of his or her powers and duties, as well as failing to implement its approved fire safety plan.
The court imposed a fine of $15,000 plus court costs and victim fine surcharges for the first charge and a suspended sentence for the second charge.
Officials say the operators of Queenchester Terrace provided false information to St. Catharines Fire Services relating to minimum staffing in the facility’s approved fire safety plan and a Fire Drill Scenario Form provided to Fire Services.
The Ontario Fire Code requires care occupancy facilities, like Queenchester Terrace, to maintain minimum staffing levels to ensure evacuations can be performed within the approved timelines in accordance with legislation.
Fire Prevention Officers observed Queenchester Terrace operating below minimum staffing levels during the night shift in October 2015.
“Some of the most vulnerable people in our community live at these kind of residences and have physical and cognitive challenges that can make evacuating without assistance difficult,” said Fire Chief Dave Wood. “That’s why it’s a priority for us to inspect the facilities and make sure they’re meeting the requirements of their fire safety and evacuation plans, that way we know everyone can get out safely in an emergency.”
Since their inspection last October Fire Prevention Officers have returned to Queenchester Terrace to ensure minimum staffing levels are being met.
“Convictions for obstructing fire officials are quite rare, so when they’re handed down it’s because there is a serious public risk,” added Fire Chief Wood. “St. Catharines Fire and Emergency Services will continue to work with operators to make sure everyone is protected and will not tolerate those who put lives at risk by blatantly ignoring the rules.”
Residents or building operators with questions about fire safety and fire safety plans can contact the Fire Prevention Office at 905.688.5601 ext. 4224.
